MAY 1973

ourde JAperin tendenti .^Idioclation Sponsors and administrators of the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund — Awarded yearly O F NEW ENGLAND, INC. to deserving Turf Management Students.

LOOK AHEAD . . . THEY SAY During the recent Massachusetts Association Spring for that matter, are there little things expressed for the health Conference, one of the interesting — although complicated •— and welfare of the pro and manager. topics was that of long range planning for . One of the intriguing questions in the look-ahead segment It developed into a 10-year-travelogue for the responsible club of the project reads: "If the membership were polled, what member (official), 10 years to the rear and 10 years in ad- would be the five aspects of the club that they most appreciate vance. in their order of importance and what would be the five as- Although no conclusions could be drawn from the seminar pects of the club that they find objectionable in their order and ambitious structure of the 20-year study, some pertinent of importance?" questions popped out at the superintendent's position in the Now, there is a mouthful. And it is worthwhile that the plan. member embark on such a journey through the things he likes In an analysis of the past, these questions appeared: "What and dislikes about his club. The superintendent, we're sure, has been the effect of employee turnover in the past 10 years would be most interested in the position of course condition (particularly in the case of key employees) ?" "How many . . . and on what list it falls. Of course, this is a burning different club managers, golf pros, grounds maintenance super- issue with many people. It's comparable to the old, what came visors (you now have a new title to go along with 'greens- first . . . the chicken or the egg bromide. keeper'), etc. have you had over Lhe past 10 years?" "Has It can be answered thusly: If the concentration of funds there been an employee pension plan in existence? If so, how and effort fall on the clubhouse, the setting is a glorified long? Is it adequate? What other club benefits has the club restaurant. And if the same concentration is directed toward provided?" the , the setting is a country club. There are ob- Those are the key areas, as far as the super is concerned. jections to such reasoning . . . but the taste of a filet mignon In fact, he would welcome the answers to all with a hope that is not as lasting as a season of long putts and perfect approach improvements could be made. But it does give the club offi- shots — aided by the right playing conditions. cial something to think about and perhaps remedy. There are a number of reasons for employee turnover. And it doesn't Whatever the result of the 10-year look backwards and the take an Einstein to figure out that a happy (well compensated) 10-year glimpse into the future, the topic is very worthwhile. employee seldom comes to work with an airline or train ticket Wound in the maze of questions are such subjects as status in his pocket. structure and all that goes with it. Certainly there is a place for this. But the meat and potatoes are found in the facility In the look to the future, it follows that planning take the arrangement, condition thereof and the people to operate it. good things from the club's past, expand them, and discard the bad things from the past. Sounds easy . . . but it isn't. The club official should profit from the past. And what he For instance, take the position of the superintendent. No- does in the way of planning for the future affects the super- where in the analysis are there any considerations applicable intendent's future. Those days after tomorrow are in his hands. to his contribution to the success or failure of the club. Nor, — Gerry Finn NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the GCSA of NE will be Monday, May 14, 1973 at the Green Harbor Golf Club, Marshfield, Mass. The course is owned by Manuel Francis and Son. Dahn Tibbets is the golf course superintendent. In 1965 Manny and his son purchased the land for the purpose of a sod farm. After re- moving just two crops of sod, they decided to build a golf course in the summer of 1970. Manny, Sr. was to design the course and to carry on all phases of the construction while Manny Jr.'s project was to install the entire water system. Be- lieve it or not the course was opened for-play in the 1971

DIRECTIONS TO GREEN HARBOR GOLF CLUB From Route 3 take Exit 32 (Route 139) to Marshfield. Go right on Webster St. in Marshfield Center. Sign for course will be on your left up about one mile.

Directors' Meeting 10:45 A.M. Left to right: Manuel Francis, Jr., Manuel Francis and Dahn Regular Meeting 11:15 A.M. Tibbets of the Green Harbor Golf Club will be our hosts at Lunch (Snack bar only) 12:00 P.M. the next meeting. Golf 1:00 P.M. ourde ^Superintendents oclation •

THE WOMAN'S TOUCH pair of same. They never tinker with the mechanics of the equipment, thereby leading to complications and the possibility Let's see now. There are women taxi cab drivers, women of extensive damage. Instead, they wait for the mechanic or bulldozer operators, women bartenders . . . women every- superintendent to assist them whenever a breakdown occurs. thing, it seems. So, how about a woman.golf course superin- Since the labor problem on the golf course is one of eternal tendent? standing, speculation on the future of the woman worker is Don't laugh. We could very well see the day when the fair spreading the ranks of the superintendent. And as far as the sex makes a mass invasion of the superintendent ranks. In sampling goes, the super is anything but against the hiring fact, there are isolated cases around the country where a of women for the job. woman is listed as the superintendent. So far, the GCSAA membership list doesn't have one. "Certainly their sense for the artistic can be employed More evident than the incidence of a woman super, though, around the clubhouse", one super reasoned. "In some of the is the presence and increasing presence of women laborers on more affluent clubs the need for expert attention in arrange- ment of flower beds and other beauty aids to the appearance the golf course, and the experience seems to be rewarding on of the clubhouse makes it most advantageous to hire a woman both sides of the fence. The fair ladies, it appears, are in for the job." many instances just as capable . . . and in a few more capable than the men. Another factor favoring the girls is the incessant grumbling The most popular course in the country for women laborers among men workers in view of questionable wages and skctchy 4s the Iniiinsbrook Club :1b Florida where Arlin Grant nerves -fringe- benefits. The- mat! -worker usually is the-bread—winner as the superintendent. Inninsbrook is a 54-hole layout and in his household and consequently must demand more in the included in the work crew are nine women. way of money and fringles. The woman, on the other hand, Their duties run the gamut, excluding intricate mechanical can make concessions in those areas. So, the super might lean work. They handle all kinds of equipment, mow fairways, toward the woman to avoid excessive turnover of the job. pamper greens and tees and rake bunkers. Their ages range One superintendent took a negative view of the situation. from 16 to 39 and they are decked out in the uniform of the "The idea of women working on the course is new", he offered. day . . . shorts and tee shirts. "So, it now becomes a novelty to them and to the super. But Arlin says that the girls do an excellent job, so much so in time the novelty will wear off and they'll learn to gripe that there is a waiting list for their positions. The girls come about working conditions just like the men. They may even from many different occupations including waitressing, office be more successful in organizing the entire crew and then what work. Some of them are still college students and arrange do we have on our hands?" their schedules around their course assignments. That opinion is in the minority, however. For most of the Arlin also points out a few fringe benefits for the super supers, women working on the golf course is perfectly in who employs women. He tells that they seem to have more keeping with the times. The woman's touch . . . it's felt patience with equipment and discipline themselves in the re- everywhere. _ Gerry Finn

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE At the April meeting, Lou Duval, our Association Treasur- er, pointed out that 45 members have not paid their dues for 1973. Our bylaws state that all members whose dues shall remain in arrears more than five months shall be suspended from the Association. Check to see if your dues have been paid so that you may continue to attend meetings, play in the golf tournaments, receive the Newsletter, etc. You need the Association and the Association needs you. The Golf Committee has requested that all members and guests of the Association who play golf at the summer meet- ings, please register and then turn in their score cards. There will be prizes for golfers of various ability and the scores will be used to up-date handicaps. Remember the summer meet- ings are an opportunity to discuss current problems, conduct, Association business and to enjoy a day of golf and fellowship. Plan to attend every meeting. Robert Grant, CGCS Meeting dates to remember: Richard Blake, CSCS, (far right) is presenting certification May 14, 1973 — Green Harbor Golf Course plaques to (left to right) Sherwood Moore, Charles Gardner June — International and Paul O'Leary at a recent meeting. July — Topsfield Country Club August 14, 1973 — Crestview Country Club September — Blue Hills — Supt.-Celebrity Tournament To be voted on at the May meeting: October 12, 1973 — Brae Burn — Supt.-Pro Tournament Regular Member — Charles A. Borden, Sharon Country October 20, 1973 — New Bedford Country Club Club. November — Bass River — Joint meeting with the Cape Codders

First Vice President — Second Vice President — Secretary - ROBERT GRANT THOMAS CURRAN WAYNE ZOPPO RONALD KIRKMAN, CGCS LUCIEN DUVAL NORMAN MUCCIARONE BERT FREDERICK MAX MIERZWA NARY SPERANDIO 22 Patricia Road Fox Chase Road 48 Barberry Drive 25 Green Street R.F. No. 5 Gault Road 101 Alban Road 45 Stoney Brook Road 106 Crestwood Street Concord, Mass. 01742 Sudbury, Mass. 01776 South Sutton, N. H. 03273 Seekonk. Mass. 02771 Needham. Mass. 02192 Bedford, N. H. 03105 Waban, Mass. 02168 Nabnaset, Mass. 01861 Chicopee, Mass. 01020 Phone 369-4723 Phone 443-2671 Phone 399-7141 Phone 444-8412 Phone 472-3454 Phone 332-3056 Phone 453-1231 Phone 594-4996 Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Eastman Golf CourS' Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Concord Country Club Brae Burn Country Club Agawam Hunt Needham Golf Club Manchester Country Club Woodland Golf Club Vesper Country Club Chicopee Country Club EW ENGLAND, INC.

SOUND OFF!!!! the course. The real culprit, as you pointed out, is the amateur (Here we are again with that portion of the Newsletter golfer who magnifies the importance of every shot, perhaps at which gives readers the chance to clear the air of all golf the suggestion made by watching the pros on TV. controversy and give their absolutely infallible answers to "Therefore, I am making a proposal that will get me rave today's major issues. This is Sound Off and everyone is in- razzberries from my fellow club members. I think that all vited to take part. The writer may present his views on any country clubs should make a concentrated effort to curb subject pertaining to golf. All we ask is that he or she identify gambling on the course at any and all levels. Pardon me while themselves and include their address. Same ivill be withheld I duck. upon request. Comments should be sent to Newsletter Mail Bag, "Seriously, these two-dollar Nassaus, skins and what have 24 Riverside Drive, Newbury, Mass. 01950. The Newsletter you are at the basis of most of our slow play. I've seen 25- reserves the right to comment on all published letters.) players line, up 100-foot putts as if they sank them on every occasion. Even the caddies are getting into the act "This is just a few lines to let Dr. Troll and the New Eng- at our club. There are members who ask them to help survey land Superintendents know" that the recent Massachusetts tricky putts . . . and g.11 over a couple of bucks. Conference in the City of Springfield was one of the best ever. "I say stop gambling and speed up play." "The program was full of interesting subject matter and CRAIG DAWKINS interesting speakers to present them. And I was most satisfied Humming, Md. with the physical surroundings. The new hotel and all the Wantta bet you're asked to resign, Craig? * * * * * facilities available to the conference goers made a big hit with all. In fact, I'm spreading the word about it up here with the "You can be proud of the performance of the members of hopes that we can get more representation when it's time to GCSA of New England during the 44th Turfgrass Conference return to Springfield again. and Show. All reports point out there was a record attendance "Please keep me advised as to the planning and progress and exhibits. The Chapter newsletters are hailing the hospital- of the next conference, so I can talk it up in my area. Thank ity as being the warmest ever. This one element is remembered you. ?? longer than all the others put together. My experience in San Francisco makes me appreciate the job you did in organizing SERGE FONTAINE the committee. Saute, Que. Always glad to find a happy customer, Serge. The wheels "Thank you for the courtesies extended to Myrtle and me. are already turning on next year's conference and from the We really enjoyed the reception on Saturday night at the sound of things it will break all speed limits. Chestnut Hill Country Club. * * * * "Please convey our thanks to all the members of GCSA of "Once again it has passed. I mean that time of year when New England. the golf course superintendent is snubbed by everyone — in- "We look forward to seeing all of you in Anaheim." cluding the press — in an area where he is supposed to have Clifford A. Wagoner, CGCS some authority and knowledge. Modesto, Calif. "The other day I read in my local paper that my country You said it all Cliff, the only thing we can add in the News- club was going to open 'on Saturday with all greens in play.' letter is that we had fun doing it. That's a very funny thing to me. You see, I'm the super there «- * * * and this was the first word I had heard about our opening. "Some of the clubs in our area not only have experienced As a matter of fact, that date was in error since we opened early openings this season but a few even had electric golf on the following Wednesday. carts out for the start of play. "The time element has nothing to do with my increasing "However, at our club there seems to be some silly rule that annoyance with the press, our club members (most of whom the superintendent has to make the decision on the use of carts think that the pro runs the conditioning process of the course) at this time of year as well as when we have heavy rainy and others who ignore me when it comes time for a course-^ weather. How come this man can tell me that I have to walk opening announcement. 18 holes instead of ride them? "Fortunately, I still make the decision on that score here. "Certainly, I can see his point about wanting to save the But I do wish I could get my point across to the press. If course when it is extremely wet and all. But I don't think it's they will only call me instead of the pro, I will be glad to give that wet and besides, those other clubs in the area are allowing them any information on the course, its opening and its carts to run about all over the- place. condition." "Am I being unreasonable about this or is there valid rea- NAME WITHHELD son tor our superintendent to ground the carts?" Club Withheld TRACY EVANS You are so right. The sportswriters don't call you for the Elkhorn, 111. results of the weekend tournament, do they? Or do they???? Your super knows his course and what it can take. When he ***** blows the whistle on carts, you can be assured your club will "I was very interested in the article about slow play which be the best-conditioned club in town. Besides, the walk's good was given a place of prominence on the first page of your last for you. publication. I do believe you've hit a solid point. * * * * * "Blaming the touring professionals is not fair, though. And (This wraps it up for this time. But, remember to keep I think you absolved them of any blame by the implication writing. Right or wrong, your cards and letters keep this col- that their lives almost depended on everything they did on umn going. So, sit down and let us have it!)

Golf Chairman — Educational Chairman — Newsletter Chairman — Past President — ROBERT MUCCIARONE LARRY BUNN DEAN ROBERTSON RICHARD C. BLAKE, CGCS Information contained in this publication may be used 465 Summer Street 145 Dedham Street 24 Riverview Drive 211 Sewall Street freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as Westwood, Mass. 02090 Canton, Mass. 02021 Newbury, Mass. 01950 Boylston, Mass. 01505 Phone 329-9682 Phone 828-0467 Phone 462-4540 Phone 869-2737 long as the true context is maintained. We would appre- Club Affiliation C ^b Affiliation Club Affiliation Club Affiliation Dedham Country and Pc'o Ciul Blue Hill Country Club Chestnut Hill Country Club Mt. Pleasant Country Club ciate a credit lihe. Pietue frcdnwUfe FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Agrico Chemical Company Fairway Equipment, Inc. D. L. Maher Co. R. D. Sibley, Jr., Representative Sales — Service — Rentals Water Supply Contractors 375 Power Rd. 35 Walnut St., Reading, Mass. P. O. Box 274, Woburn, Mass. Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 Farm Bureau Association R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. Alfco Rokeby Co., Inc. 158 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass. 02154 Cranberry Highway Fertilizers and Chemical Specialties Fred Heyliger, Representative West Wareham, Mass. 02576 P. O. Box 267, Marietta, Ohio Thomas F. Grummell, Representative Tel. 617-295-1553 Fisk, Alden Ford Tractor Sales New England Sealcoating Co., Inc. Bacher Corp., Lawn and Snow Equipment Rear 900 Providence Highway Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance 876 Boston Rd., (Rt. 3A) Dedham, Mass. 02026 Sealcoating — Hingham Industrial Center Billerica, Mass. 01866 Hingham, Mass. Tel. 749-3236 Ron Gagne - Scotts Golf Course Div. Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors 5 Kendall Park, Norton, Mass. Old Fox Chemical Inc. Harley Davidson Golf Cars 617-285-7446 Fertilizers — Seeds —• Turf Chemicals Swansea, Massachusetts 66 Valley Street Grounds Equipment Co., Inc. East Providence, Rhode Island 02914 383 Boylston St., Newton Cen., Mass. The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Sil Paulini, Inc. Richard McGahan, Rep. Holliston Sand Company, Inc. 6 Manor Avenue Wethersfield, Conn. Lowland Street, Holliston, Mass. 01746 Natick, Mass. 01760 Sand for Golf Bv ' and- Traps Corenco Corporation Richey & Clapper, Inc. Irrigation & Equ lupply Co. 525 Woburn Street 28 Rutledge Road P. O. Box 147 R Tewksbury, Mass. 01876 Natick, Mass. 01760 G. D. Kimmey Walpole, Mass. 1-800-222-7976 — 1-800-225-7955 Tel. 617-668-7814 Trencher & Equipment Leasing, Inc. Ditch Witch Trenchers *Tom Irwin, Inc. *The Clapper Co. 38 Fairview St., Agawam, Mass. 01001 11B A Street 1121 Washington St. Phone 413-781-4600 Burlington, Mass. West Newton, Mass. *Sawtelle Brothers Karandrew Turf Farms, Inc. Jet. Routes 128 and 62 * Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson Sam Mitchell, Sales Representative Danvers, Mass. Golf Course Architects 15 Longmeadow Drive, Canton, Mass. Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002 Shepard Sod Campany The Kenneth Barrie Company Merion Blue Grass and Pencross Bent George E. Cull Irrigation 200 Sullivan Ave., So. Windsor, Conn. Terra-Green Soil Conditioner 375 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Mass. 112 Green St., Abington, Mass. Tuco Products Co. Larchmont Irrigation Co. Division of the Upjohn Company C. S. Curran Larchmont Ln., Lexington, Mass. Kalamazoo, Michigan T. R. C. Products, Oils and Greases Mallinckrodt Chemical Works 7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass. White Turf Engineering Second and Mallinckrodt Streets 5 Sumner Drive, Winchendon, Mass. 01475 St. Louis, Mo. 63160 E-Z-Go Golf Car, Division Textron, Inc. 617-297-0941 Sales - Service - Rentals Magovern Company, Inc. Philip A. Wogan Route 28, Pocasset, Massachusetts 02559 Lawn Acre Road Golf Course Architect Call Ed McGuire collect 617/563-2234 Windsor Lock, Conn. —21 Budleigh Ave. Beverly, Mass.

* Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund

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DEAN ROBERTSON Newsletter Committee Chairr.'.an 24 Riverview Drive Newbury, Massachusetts 01950 Phone 462-4540 Club Affiliation Chestnut Hill Country Club LEON V. ST. PIERRE Business Manager GERRY FINN Contributing Editor